Homestead stops Huntington North in opener at North hoop sectional

Viking forward Caleb Landrum launches a jumper in the Huntington North Basketball Sectional opener against Homestead on Tuesday, March 4. The Vikings lost 59-47. Photo by Steve Clark.

Homestead got its revenge on the Huntington North High School boys' basketball team for its season-opening loss by hanging a 59-47 loss on the host Vikings in the opener of the Huntington North Boys' Basketball Sectional on Tuesday, March 4.

The Spartans used 20 points and 20 rebounds from sophomore center Caleb Swanigan to get back at the Vikings for their 16-point triumph in the opener, way back on Nov. 27.

Huntington North, ending its season at 12-11, was led by seniors Matt Hogan and Kyle Platt with 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Homestead, 16-7, will face Fort Wayne Wayne on Friday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. The first game of the evening will feature Jay County against Fort Wayne South Side.

The Vikings were on the short end of an 8-7 score after the first quarter, and were behind 23-19 at halftime. The Spartans were up 40-35 after three quarters.

The Vikings only hit 14 of 35 shots from the field for 40 percent, although they did connect on 7 of 15 from beyond the arc to keep themselves in the game, because when they missed, Swanigan was there to collect the rebound. The 6-8 sophomore got more rebounds in the contest than the entire Viking squad, helping Homestead to a 34-19 boards domination.

Swanigan also hit 9 of 13 from the field to help Homestead to a 24 of 46, 52.2 percent effort. This came despite a 1 of 13 showing from three-point land.